Jumhooree Party Leader and Presidential Candidate, Qasim Ibrahim have stated that if he is elected President, his foreign policies will be similar to that of former presidents Maumoon Abdul Gayyoom and Ibrahim Nasir.

President Nasir and President Maumoon both had an inclusive foreign policy, where no country was left behind.

This also marks the first time Qasim has commented on a policy-related issue since announcing his candidacy for Presidency.

The debate around Maldives' foreign policy became an interest due to the policies that were adopted by former presidents Mohamed Nasheed and Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayyoom. During Nasheed's tenure, Maldives enjoyed strong ties with the West and India while ties with China were favored less.

However, Yameen enjoyed closer ties with China which eventually caused a strain on the ties that the country had with India and the West.

Following Yameen's presidency, we are once again witnessing an MDP government where India is favored above all - a move which has been attracting criticism.